The structure is said to also resemble the ‘Bhima Ratha’ from the ‘Panch Rathas’ and like most of the temples of that duration, this too has a portico outside, with the lion base pillars & dwarapalaks (guardians) flanked by sculpture. All along the walls, there are horseshoe shaped window depictions, which are called ‘Kudu’. On the windows on either sides, there are horse-shoe shaped doors, as well, where in the door in the centre has a sculpture of Lord Shiva. On a look up, the wagon shaped woof, with arches at its corners is seen. Although, incomplete with carving missing here and there and empty walls, its calm and serene atmosphere is what makes the place a must visit.
Ganesha Ratha, like most in Mahabalipuram also, has its long lost tales. It is said that the temple used to be called Arjuna’s Ratha, for it is close to the Arjuna’s Penance. Much later, the Shiva lingam was taken away by the Britishers somewhere in the 19th Century and it was renamed as the Ganesh Ratha after the locals placed a Ganesha image inside. Although, the lingam replaced with that of an image of Ganesha is rather sad maybe, as in times of difficulty, the locals come worship the Ganesha, who is believed to be the “remover of obstacles” by the Hindu Mythology.
It is these long lost tales that make us wonder, how the meaning behind temples & monuments, even carved out of a rock, many centuries ago, can always be interpreted, giving rise to a new perspective perhaps. But it is the work of the skilled artisans from centuries ago, and the creation & preservation of the arts form by the Pallava Dynasty that we today, can witness in this city of temples, caves & monuments.